What are the cons of pressure washing?

Author: Addie Grimes  |  Last update: Monday, February 17, 2025

Cons: Potential damage: In inexperienced hands, a pressure washer can cause damage to your car's paint, trim, or delicate parts. High-pressure water can strip away protective coatings and even force water into vulnerable areas, leading to rust or electrical issues.

What are the disadvantages of pressure washing?

Cons of Pressure Washing

The high-pressure water used in pressure washing can be powerful enough to cause damage to certain surfaces. Delicate materials, such as older or fragile wood, may be susceptible to damage if not handled properly.

When should you not use a pressure washer?

Potential Risks of Pressure Washing Surfaces That Shouldn't Be Pressure Washed
  • Electrical Damage. External electrical fixtures should never be pressure washed but may be soft washed in some instances. ...
  • Surface Damage. ...
  • Outdoor Furniture. ...
  • Plants. ...
  • Interior of Gutters. ...
  • Vehicles. ...
  • Windows. ...
  • Electrical Meters and Panels.

What is better than pressure washing?

Instead of relying on high pressure to blast away dirt and grime, soft washing uses a combination of low-pressure power washing and cleaning solutions to clean surfaces. These solutions settle in the layers of dirt, eating them away from the inside. The cleaners then use low-pressure power washers to rinse the surface.

What is the most common problem with pressure washers?

Williams: The most common pressure washer problem we see at our company is a loss of pressure. The most common cause of a loss of pressure is leaving the trigger off for an extended period of time, allowing the bypass water to get too hot.

Ep.44 PROs and CONs of the Pressure Washing Business

What are the side effects of a pressure washer?

The strong spray from a pressure washer can cause serious wounds that might first appear minor. Wounds that appear minor can cause a person to delay treatment, increasing risk for infection, disability or amputation. The fast, strong spray can throw objects that strike and injure others who are close by.

Is pressure washing a good idea?

1. Pressure washing removes dirt, mold, and mildew. Pressure washing is a great way to clean the exterior of your home, removing dirt, mold, mildew, and other unwanted substances. Pressure washing uses high-pressure streams of water to blast away any buildup on the outside of the house.

What PSI should I wash my house?

Consider a light- to medium-duty pressure washer. As with stucco, use a wider-pattern 40-degree tip for painted brick. If you have vinyl siding, look for pressure ratings between 1900 and 2800 PSI — a medium- or heavy-duty pressure washer — and a pressure tip with a 40-degree pattern.

Can I make good money pressure washing?

Even though the equipment can cost around $15K, it can earn you $200K per year. You could spend less on pressure washing equipment, but the money you save might slow your business growth. Washing with lower pressure means you can't take as many customers.

What's the difference between power washing and pressure washing?

The main difference with power washing vs. pressure washing is the heat. The jet wash in a power washing machine uses heated water, whereas the water in a pressure washer is not heated.

Is it bad to pressure wash concrete?

Key Takeaways: Power washing can cause visible damage to concrete surfaces, including etching, pitting, and deterioration of joints.

What is the average life of a pressure washer?

If you are a homeowner, you will probably use a pressure washer for less than 50 hours per year. In this case, getting a machine rated for 500 hours will last you up to 10 years if properly maintained.

Can power washing cause electrical problems?

One of the primary ways power washing can cause electrical issues is through water ingress in electrical components. High-pressure water can penetrate electrical outlets, light fixtures, and other outdoor electrical components, leading to short circuits and electrical shocks.

What is the disadvantage of pressure?

The disadvantages of pressure include: 1. Structural Damage: High pressure can cause damage to structures, containers, and vessels. Excessive pressure can lead to deformation, bursting, or rupture, posing safety risks.

Does a pressure washer waste a lot of water?

Saves Water

As mentioned above, pressure washers only average around 2-4 GPM of water consumption. That's about the same as the sink in your home which averages around 2.2 GPM. Compared to a hose which puts out 24 GPM. The low GPM and powerful quick cleaning means less overall water usage.

What are the cons of starting a pressure washing business?

What: Start a pressure washing business in 2024. So What: Offers flexibility, low startup costs, and steady demand. Pros & Cons: Pros: Low costs, flexibility, high demand; Cons: Physical labor, equipment upkeep, weather issues.

What PSI is good for pressure washing business?

Pressure washers that range from 2,000 to 3,000 PSI are generally suitable for most industrial cleaning tasks.

Does power washing damage vinyl siding?

Know your power

A pressure washer can quickly ruin vinyl siding by cracking it with a high-pressure stream of water, so it's necessary to know which pressure level and nozzle to use. Starting low and gently working your way up is the safest bet. Never start off on the highest pressure setting.

How much to rent a pressure washer?

Renting a pressure washer costs an average of $90 per day, but expect to pay between $50 and $250 for shorter and longer stints. The average cost to rent a pressure washer is $90 per day. You might pay only $40 for a 4-hour rental period, while the cost to rent a power washer for four weeks can reach up to $2,000.

What PSI is used at car wash?

Choose a pressure washer with a suitable psi (pounds per square inch) rating, typically between 1200 and 2200, and use a wide spray nozzle (25 to 40 degrees) to minimize the risk of damaging the vehicle's paint and other surfaces.

What are the disadvantages of a pressure washer?

Cons: Potential damage: In inexperienced hands, a pressure washer can cause damage to your car's paint, trim, or delicate parts. High-pressure water can strip away protective coatings and even force water into vulnerable areas, leading to rust or electrical issues.

How should you price pressure washing?

Price per hour is the best pricing strategy to make sure you're covered for the total time it takes to complete the job. You can charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour depending on your location, the size of the job, and the equipment you'll need to complete it.

When should you not power wash your house?

Winter: Although power washing in winter is possible, we don't recommend it in extreme cold or snow. However, we can power wash on warmer days or during breaks in the weather.

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